Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Oct. 10, 2023

Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition Shares Progress

Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day and is the perfect opportunity to share progress the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition and its members have made in enhancing the behavioral health system in our region.

The Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition is a group committed to enhancing the behavioral health system of care in the region to be complete and responsive across the continuum, including health promotion, prevention, intervention, and recovery. The coalition is funded by the Montana Healthcare Foundation and the State Diversion Grant. 

The coalition includes representatives from Gallatin County, the City of Bozeman, Bozeman Health, Community Health Partners, the Help Center, Montana State University, Connections Health Solutions, HRDC, Greater Gallatin United Way, Gallatin City-County Health Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Attorney’s Office, Gallatin County school districts, Intermountain, Youth Dynamics, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, AWARE, Montana Healthcare Foundation, and Yellowstone Club Community Foundation.

In the last year, the coalition has made great progress in its mission to implement an appropriate system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation for community members so every person receives the right services in the right place, every time.

“It takes a team to serve our community’s behavioral health needs; no one provider can do it all. We have made great progress in implementing crisis services, and are working on implementing a lot of other great ideas to better serve youth and adult needs across the behavioral health continuum. I am grateful and excited for the collaborative spirit of our coalition making this work possible,” said Kirsten Smith, Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition Coordinator.

The coalition is working to implement the Crisis Now model of care, which has key elements of providing someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. Below are highlights in each of those areas from our coalition members. Read the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition’s full summary report here. 

Someone to Call:

The Help Center, our local 988/crisis line provider, gives real-time access to a live person every moment of every day for anyone who is in crisis, having suicidal thoughts, in emotional distress, or concerned about someone. 

They answer an average of 300 behavioral health calls a month. They are able to stabilize and de-escalate 75% of those who call them. Using the caller’s own strengths, support systems, the robust 211 and mental health database, and the Help Center’s crisis follow-up services –their work reduces demand on other community services. For the other 25%, callers are referred to community and medical services. 

For 24/7 help, you can reach the Help Center at 988 or 406-586-3333.

“We have been serving Gallatin County since 1971 and are proud to work alongside our coalition colleagues to address the needs of our growing community and help our community members access the services they need, 24/7,” said Mandy St. Aubyn, Development & Communications Coordinator, Help Center, Inc.

Someone to Respond: 

Gallatin Mobile Crisis, established in July 2022 and staffed by Connections Health Solutions, is an emergency behavioral health response program for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The team is composed of local behavioral health professionals who provide on-scene evaluations, treatment, and crisis intervention. The team currently operates 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Since January, 84% of people have been successfully supported in the community and did not require a higher level of care. This service is keeping these folks safe at home and in our community, and out of our emergency department and jail.

“It has been our privilege to serve the community as the mobile crisis response provider and gain the trust of so many who have allowed us to be there during an extremely difficult time,” said Paige Bichler, MSN, RN, vice president of clinical operations for Connections Health Solutions. “We are proud of the work we’ve done to date alongside members of the coalition and are grateful for the continued support of the community. We look forward to continuing to provide those in need with the highest quality of care, right when they need it.”

Somewhere to Go:

Bozeman Health provides Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) adjacent to the emergency department at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center and is open 24/7/365. The PES area is designed to deliver an enhanced level of care that provides a calming and therapeutic environment for patients experiencing acute behavioral health needs in our community. 

This year, the PES unit’s crisis interventionists conducted an average of 144 therapeutic encounters monthly between January and July. This service means more people are able to access behavioral healthcare for their crisis needs close to home. 

“Bozeman Health is proud to deliver this vital, therapeutic care environment for our community, said Dr. Kathryn Bertany, Bozeman Health CEO. “The health system continues its commitment to providing large portions of the behavioral health continuum, including integrated behavioral health in our clinics, outpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization in our PES area, and inpatient psychiatry and hospitalization.”   

###

PRESS RELEASE

GOOSE CREEK TRAIL RESCUE

On October 6, 2023, at 7:45pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from a hiker near Goose Creek Trail who had become lost. With darkness and cold weather setting in, the hiker requested assistance finding the correct trail to lead them back to their vehicle.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) responded to the area with all-terrain vehicles. With help from the Forrest Service, GCSSAR members were able to gain access to the hiker relatively close to where the hiker’s 911 call placed them, making for a quick and safe rescue.

The hiker was assessed by rescue personnel on scene, and was provided a ride back to their vehicle.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind backcountry enthusiasts that darkness and cold weather are beginning to set earlier each day. Packing extra supplies to be prepared for changing conditions is best practice to ensure a safe trip to the mountains.

For Immediate Release: October 4, 2023

A significant uptick in COVID-19 cases as well as reported flu cases have already been detected in Gallatin County. It is important to take proper steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, in order to minimize the strain on the healthcare system this fall and winter.

Read the complete press release here.

The best place to find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, flu, and other communicable diseases is on our website, www.healthygallatin.org.

For immediate release: Oct. 2, 2023

Media contacts:

Takami Clark
City of Bozeman
406-582-2322
tclark@bozeman.net 

Whitney Bermes
Gallatin County
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov 

 

Gallatin Valley Sensitive Land Draft Plan Release and Debut Party 
The public is invited to learn about the Draft Plan and how to comment.  

BOZEMAN, Montana – From the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Land Protection Working Group comes the thrilling release of the Public Draft Plan, and the public is invited to the debut party! The Draft Plan will be released on Oct. 16, 2023 through online channels at gallatinvalleyplan.bozeman.net. Immediately following the premiere, the Working Group and Project Team will host a public meeting to explore the Draft Plan highlights and discuss how comments can be provided on the Draft Plan. All are invited to join:  

• Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Monforton School (6001 Monforton School Rd, Bozeman) 
• A presentation will kick off the event. 
• Light refreshments will be provided. 

As a representative of the Working Group, Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer, expressed, “Sensitive lands are foundational to our quality of life and why our area is unique and loved by residents and visitors. We want to ensure the variety of implementation strategies – voluntary, incentives, or regulatory – provide a balanced approach and offer landowners and partners options and support.” 

The Draft Plan features vibrant summaries of our community’s vision and values, creative sensitive land models based on authoritative data sources, and honest reflection of recommendations that can be implemented throughout the Valley. The Draft Plan process was an opportunity to debut a dialogue between city, county, agency, constituents, landowners, and native voices.  

Those who are not able to attend the Debut Party can review the Draft Plan and online at gallatinvalleyplan.bozeman.net starting Oct. 16. The comment period will run through Nov. 5.  

More information on the Plan can be found at gallatinvalleyplan.bozeman.net. 

### 

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2023

Nearly 25 percent of Gallatin County high school students vape. According to a study done by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, this is 70 percent higher than the national average of 14.1 percent.

Read the complete press release here.

The statistics are concerning. Come learn why, what the county is doing to address this public health crisis, and how you can support the youth in your life. The Gallatin City-County Health Department is holding a community learning session on Wednesday, October 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bozeman Library.

PRESS RELEASE

Garnet Mountain Rescue

On September 23, 2023, at 8:36pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from a hiker near the Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout who had become stranded. The hiker was not dressed for conditions, was out of food and water and due to darkness and cold weather setting in, they were requesting assistance.

 

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky and Valley Sections responded. Volunteers were able to access the hiker utilizing off-road vehicles. The hiker was provided aide and transported back down the mountain where they were dropped off at their vehicle.

 

Sheriff Springer would like to remind back-country enthusiasts that although the days still have moderate weather, temperatures are quickly dropping after dark. Having adequate supplies and being dressed for all conditions one may experience is good practice for ensuring an enjoyable back-country experience.

 

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For immediate release: Sept. 25, 2023 

Media contact:
Maureen Horton, Gallatin County Treasurer
treasurer@gallatin.mt.gov
406-582-3033 

Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department to Offer New Online Services

Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, the Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department will be offering online services.

There will be an online form that will allow customers who have purchased vehicles from dealerships, new or used, to fill out their title and registration paperwork and make payments online. License plates will then be mailed directly to customers, eliminating the need for them to visit our offices. Please note, this service is only available for dealership purchases and not private or other sales.  

And our new Title Kiosk at our Gallatin County Courthouse office in downtown Bozeman will have online title list where folks can see if our office has received their paperwork to ensure we have it in hand prior to visiting us. This list will also be available on our website to check before coming in.

These measures will save time and unnecessary trips to our offices for customers and reduce wait times for folks at our Bozeman and Belgrade lobbies.

“The Motor Vehicle Supervisor has been instrumental in these new processes and ideas on how to make titling faster for the customer. Our desire is to make going to the Motor Vehicle Office a great experience. Both the new processes should increase production,” said Gallatin County Treasurer Maureen Horton.

Find these new online services starting Oct. 2 on our website.

Temporary reduced public hours are still in place Monday through Friday at both Motor Vehicle Department locations. The Bozeman office (located in the Gallatin County Courthouse) is open 10 AM to 5 PM and the Belgrade office (located at 312 W. Main St., Suite B-8) is open 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

These temporary public office hours enable our staff to catch up on important work and train newly hired employees.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to fully staff and train our office. We continue to find new and innovative ideas to improve the customer experience and will keep you updated as we roll out additional services.

###

For immediate release: Sept. 21, 2023 

Media contact:
Nick Borzak, Gallatin County Chief Operations Officer
406-209-0044
nick.borzak@gallatin.mt.gov 

New Paved Parking Lot, Walkway Open at Gallatin County Regional Park 

The new paved parking lot and walkway near the dog park at the Gallatin County Regional Park are officially open for use!  

The 43-spot lot was built to serve visitors of the Anderson Dog Park, located off Ferguson Ave. on the west side of the Gallatin County Regional Park in Bozeman.  

The project also includes a new 10-foot-wide paved walkway that runs along Ferguson Ave. between Baxter Lane and Oak Street, and landscaping and irrigation around the lot and the walkway. The walkway connects from Ferguson Ave. to the park’s interior trails. This was requested by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust through a Montana Trail Stewardship Program.

“The parking lot and paved walkway will provide safe public access to this extremely popular part of our park,” said Nick Borzak, Gallatin County Chief of Operations. 

Gallatin County contracted with C K May Excavating in Belgrade for the project. The total cost was about $671,000. The county received a $150,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to help pay for a portion of the project. Construction took roughly three months to complete. 

While the new parking lot is in the same general area as the Nordic ski trails in the winter, county parks staff are working on creating another connecting route to accommodate.  

 ###

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County

 

For immediate release: September 21, 2023 

 

Gallatin County Officials Urge Residents to Return District Court Jury Summons Questionnaires  

About 3,600 jury summons questionnaires sent from Gallatin County District Court have yet to be returned and officials are urging residents who received these questionnaires to complete them and send them in. 

In early May, Gallatin County District Court sent out 9,600 initial notices to residents who were randomly selected to be in the District Court July pool. The term runs from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. These are not a summons for a specific trial, but simply a notification that these residents could be called to jury duty anytime during that term. 

Gallatin County District Court handles criminal cases (primarily felonies), civil matters in excess of $12,000 in damages, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, mental health, water cases, and appeals from Justice Court, Municipal Court and administrative agencies. 

Residents who received this notice were required to respond to the questionnaire within 10 days. They were provided options to receive paper or digital copies of the questionnaire to fill out. 

As of this week, approximately 3,600 questionnaires have gone unreturned.  

When a questionnaire is not returned, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputy is required to personally serve these to get them completed. Sheriff’s deputies have already begun that process. 

However, you can help by submitting your unreturned questionnaire as soon as possible. 

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said that our community’s service expectations continue to increase and his deputies’ limited resources are focused on meeting those needs.  

“We need your help in performing your civic duty by filling out your questionnaire so we don’t have to use those resources to physically serve these on you,” Springer said. 

Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell said that trial by jury is a fundamental constitutional right for all of us.  

“Your participation as a juror ensures your neighbor’s right to a jury trial is protected,” Cromwell said. “I cannot overstate how important it is to return your jury questionnaire so that our judges can hold trials and we can continue to keep our community as safe as possible.”   

If you received a postcard, please follow the directions to complete the questionnaire.  

If you are unsure of whether you received a postcard, or you need your juror number, please email gallatindcjury@mt.gov or call 406-582-3670. 

### 

 

For immediate release: Sept. 18, 2023

On the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office, along with the Montana Highway Patrol and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, investigated a double fatality motor vehicle accident, which occurred on Interstate 90 near mile marker 291.

The accident occurred when a vehicle traveling eastbound crossed the median into oncoming traffic where they collided with a vehicle traveling westbound. The driver of the eastbound vehicle was identified as 34-year-old Jose Sanchez-Ruiz of Bozeman. Jose was pronounced deceased on scene. Jose’s cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma and the manner accidental.

The driver of the westbound vehicle was identified as 34-year-old Haley Vicchio-Wilson of Bozeman. Haley was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center where she died of her injuries. Haley’s cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma and the manner accidental.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jose Sanchez-Ruiz and Haley Vicchio-Wilson during this time.

###